Multi-million dollar crime ring bust in Jefferson County

Organized retail crime in Jefferson County, is a multi-million dollar a year problem, and it's not only taking money away from retailers, it's taking money away from you.

Jefferson County District Attorney Brandon Falls told ABC 33/40 that five people are in custody after a month long organized retail crime ring investigation. He says two more arrests are pending.

During the investigation dubbed "Operation Molten Iron," police in Vestavia Hills and Birmingham seized hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of stolen merchandise, in addition to money and 15 pounds of marijuana.

Falls said what authorities turned up, is something no one expected.

"What we were able to do is secure search warrants for the locations where they were selling the items," Falls said.

Over $300,000 in merchandise was recovered.

If you think this only affects retailers, think again.

Falls says his type of crime costs the average family in Alabama $300 to $500 more per year.

"You still have to make a profit, so eventually the more theft there is, it does affect how things are priced," said retail manager Justin Irvin.

That number doesn't sit well with Jefferson County resident Bryan Roach.